How to get by car to l'Abellera Chapel in Tarragona?
Spain, europe
1.9 km
1,008 m
hard
Year-round
# Santuari de la Mare de Déu de l'Abellera
Perched at 1,008 meters (3,307 feet) in the Baix Camp region of southern Catalonia, this mountain shrine is absolutely worth the drive. Located in Tarragona province in northeastern Spain, the views from up here? Absolutely stunning.
This historic chapel is a beauty with serious history. Built into a cave on a cliff face (possibly dating back to 1570), it's got that legendary vibe—locals say a shepherd found a Virgin statue in an oak tree that mysteriously kept returning to its original spot no matter how many times he moved it. Pretty cool, right? The chapel's also got connections to some serious historical figures, including Queen Margarida of Prades and Friar Bernat Boïl, who actually lived here back in the 15th century. The modest façade we see today was built in stages, with the bell tower added around 1578. Inside, you'll find a single nave and the crowned Virgin statue replica (crowned in 1956). It's become a major pilgrimage site—especially beloved by beekeepers thanks to its historical bee connections. Pilgrims flock here on Easter Monday and September 8, with a traditional procession from Prades around Christmas.
The drive itself is pretty straightforward. Starting from the paved T-704 south of Prades, the road (Camí de l'Ermita de la Mare de Déu de l'Abellera) is totally paved but steep and narrow—think winding mountain road vibes. It's only 1.9 kilometers (1.18 miles) long with a modest 64-meter elevation gain and an average gradient of 3.3%. The speed limit is 40km/h, so just take your time and soak in those mountain views along the way.
Where is it?
How to get by car to l'Abellera Chapel in Tarragona? is located in Spain (europe). Coordinates: 41.0062, -4.9813
Road Details
- Country
- Spain
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 1.9 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,008 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 41.0062, -4.9813
Related Roads in europe
extremeScenic France: Comparing Iconic Rail Routes and Mountain Roads
🇫🇷 France
# France's Epic Routes: Rails and Roads Through Stunning Landscapes France has this amazing dual personality—the smooth precision of its legendary rail network paired with some seriously thrilling mountain roads that'll get your adrenaline pumping. If you're planning an adventure through France, understanding these corridors is basically your secret map to the ultimate road trip. **The Clermont-Ferrand to Béziers Corridor** This route is pure spectacle. You're crossing the Massif Central with its dramatic plateaus and deep gorges, and the star of the show? The Garabit Viaduct—designed by Gustave Eiffel himself. For drivers, the A75 mirrors this engineering genius, home to the Millau Viaduct, which happens to be the world's tallest bridge. Pretty wild to experience that kind of infrastructure in person. **Gateway to the Alps** Head toward Annecy and you're entering serious mountain territory. While the train brings hikers and climbers closer to the peaks, drivers often push toward the legendary Col du Galibier. Same stunning views of the Alps and Burgundy, but with the added spice of hairpin turns, steep grades, and weather that can turn on a dime. **The Pyrenees Adventure** Near the Spanish border sits a UNESCO-listed railway that climbs 1,200 meters into the Pyrenees, passing through Bolquère—France's highest station. The roads here are intense: narrow canyons, remote wilderness, and driving that demands total concentration. It's beautiful, but it's definitely not for the faint-hearted. **The Three Corniches** The French Riviera rail line is nice, but if you want real thrills, take the Three Corniches between Nice and Monaco. These roads are literally carved into cliff faces with narrow lanes and seriously sheer drops. It's an experience that makes the train ride below look tame. **Nice to Digne-les-Bains** This scenic drive winds through fragrant pine forests and over impressive viaducts. It's the perfect warm-up for what comes next: the Gorges du Verdon, basically the "Grand Canyon of Europe." Driving these cliffside roads with 700-meter vertical drops? That's next-level adventure. **Corsica's Trinichellu** The island's little train is charming, but driving Corsica? That's a different beast entirely. Narrow, winding roads without guardrails, treacherous mountain passes near Corte—this one's for serious thrill-seekers who don't mind sweaty palms. **The Bottom Line** Whether you're a rail enthusiast or a road warrior, France serves up an incredible menu of natural beauty mixed with jaw-dropping engineering. Pick your poison and prepare for one unforgettable journey.
moderateWhere is Col de la Madeleine?
🇫🇷 France
Col de la Madeleine: Picture yourself cruising through the French Alps in the Savoie department, because this is one mountain pass you won't want to miss! Sitting pretty at almost 2,000 meters, this beauty links the Maurienne and Tarentaise valleys. You'll find it nestled in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region in southeastern France, and the road itself? Totally paved and part of the Route des Grandes Alpes – so expect some serious scenery. Clocking in at just over 37 kilometers from Sainte-Marie-de-Cuines to La Léchère les Bains, it's a challenging climb, famous for its Tour de France cameos. Be warned, some ramps hit a thigh-burning 13.5% gradient! The climb from La Chambre is relentless, but the north side from Bonneval is a bit gentler. Keep an eye out for those kilometer markers showing how far to the top, your current altitude, and the slope ahead. Heads up: it's usually closed from November to June due to snow. But when it's open? The views of Mont Blanc and the Lauzière massifs are insane! If you're feeling extra adventurous, there’s a super-steep, unpaved road that branches off to a higher peak to the west – but maybe skip that one if you're not an experienced driver.
moderateIs the road to Les Fonds paved?
🇫🇷 France
Okay, so you wanna get off the beaten path? Head east of the famous Col d'Izoard to Les Fonds, a seriously remote mountain town in the French Alps. We're talking Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region, way up at 2,040m (that's almost 6,700 feet!). The road in, the D89T, from the village of Cervières is only about 11.8 km (7.3 miles). Don't let the short distance fool you, though. This is a narrow, technical little beast! It's paved, thankfully, but there are no center lines and many places are barely wide enough for two cars. You'll be hugging the curves of the Cervièrette torrent as you snake through this wild, glacial valley. The climb is consistent, with gradients hitting 7.5% in spots. As you gain altitude, you'll be treated to killer views of high-altitude pastures and larch forests. Keep in mind that because of the elevation, this road is usually snowed in during the winter, so plan your trip for late spring to autumn. The road ends in town, a dead end, so you'll get to do it twice! Double the views of those massive peaks that surround the valley. Worth it!
moderateA scenic Alpine road to Col du Telegraphe
🇫🇷 France
# Col du Télégraphe: A Classic Alpine Adventure Tucked away in the Savoie department of southeastern France, Col du Télégraphe sits pretty at 1,566 meters (5,138 feet) and serves as one of the crown jewels along the legendary Route des Grandes Alpes. Located in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, this pass is an absolute must for any alpine road enthusiast. The journey up D902 is seriously winding—we're talking 14 hairpin turns that'll keep you engaged the entire way. The road stretches 17.5 km (10.87 miles) connecting Saint-Michel-de-Maurienne and Valloire, and it also provides access to the notorious Col du Galibier. At the summit, you'll spot some impressive radio and TV towers housed in a striking cement structure that's visible from miles away. Here's some cool history: the pass gets its name from the Fort du Télégraphe, a fortress built in 1884 that once housed a semaphore telegraph system at its peak. If you're visiting during summer months, you can actually explore the fort itself. The numbers? Coming from Saint-Michel-de-Maurienne, expect an 11.8 km climb with 856 meters of elevation gain (averaging 7.3%). The Valloire side is gentler—just 4.8 km with 165 meters of gain at 3.4%. The steepest pitches hit 10% gradient, which keeps things interesting. Good news: the road typically stays open year-round, and yes, it's famous enough to have hosted the Tour de France multiple times.